People Power Party Daejeon Criticizes 'Daejeon Bypassing' Over Daejeon MCIA Located Outside the City

"The Only Regional Agency with a Name-Location Mismatch among Six Nationwide"

Photo by People Power Party Daejeon City Party

The People Power Party Daejeon City Branch strongly criticized the government, the ruling party, and politicians on July 28, stating in a commentary, "It has been confirmed that the actual location of the Daejeon Regional Major Crimes Investigation Agency (hereinafter, Daejeon Regional MCIA) is in Sejong, not Daejeon."

With just two months left before the launch of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency (MCIA), controversy is intensifying in the region over 'Daejeon bypassing,' as it has been confirmed that the Daejeon Regional MCIA will be based in Sejong, not Daejeon as its name suggests.

Of the six regional agencies nationwide (Seoul, Suwon, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon), Daejeon is the only one whose designated regional name does not match its actual location. While the other regional agencies will all open within their respective districts, only the Daejeon office will begin its work in Sejong.

An even greater concern is the uncertainty about whether the office will move to Daejeon in the future. The government has merely stated, "We will consider relocating to Daejeon in the future," but has failed to present any credible roadmap, such as concrete site selection, separate budget allocation, or a clear timeline for relocation.

Although it has been described as a temporary office, there is concern that the lack of an operational period may in reality result in the agency settling in Sejong long-term.

Political circles in the region are harshly criticizing the president, the Daejeon mayor, and the seven Daejeon-area National Assembly members—all from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea—for failing to secure the region’s fair share and even call it a dereliction of duty, in addition to a lack of competence.

There is also criticism that, although the Democratic Party pledges to "address key Chungcheong region issues" during every election season, it continues to appear powerless.

The People Power Party Daejeon City Branch stated, "The government and Daejeon City must promptly release a roadmap detailing the Daejeon office's relocation site, budget, and a specific timetable, as well as clearly state the maximum duration of the temporary office's operation." The branch further emphasized, "Local National Assembly members should not remain silent, but must clarify their position regarding their failure to protect the interests of Daejeon."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.